The Aquarium of Niagara sits at 701 Whirlpool Street in Niagara Falls, New York, a short distance from the famous waterfalls. It opened on June 12, 1965, and its official website says it is home to more than 120 species of animals, including California sea lions, harbor seals, grey seals and Humboldt penguins.
Its origin is unusual. The aquarium was founded by researchers and chemists to test an artificial seawater formula, and it was billed as the first inland aquarium in the world to use only that technology. Today it is run by the nonprofit Niagara Aquarium Foundation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: 701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls, New York
- Opened: June 12, 1965
- Species: More than 120 species (per the aquarium’s official website)
- Operator: Niagara Aquarium Foundation (nonprofit)
- Buildings: Two: the main aquarium and Great Lakes 360 (opened July 2024)
- Accreditation: Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
- Famous for: First inland aquarium to use only artificial seawater, and its rescued sea lions and seals
What You Can See
The main building centers on marine mammals and seabirds. The aquarium’s marine mammals are rescued or non-releasable animals, including California sea lions, harbor seals and grey seals, and they share the campus with a colony of Humboldt penguins. A non-releasable Kemp’s ridley sea turtle named Squirt arrived in 2023 after an exhibit renovation. In 1987 a harbor seal named Sandy became the first seal to receive successful cataract-removal surgery.
The newer Great Lakes 360 building opened in July 2024. It has 16 exhibits on Great Lakes habitats, with fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects, and a touch pool where visitors can touch a lake sturgeon. The $5.2 million project increased the aquarium’s living exhibits by about 40 percent.
Planning Your Visit
The aquarium is close to Niagara Falls State Park, so it pairs easily with a day at the falls. It suits families and can be done in a few hours. Check the official website for current hours, ticket prices and show times before you go, since these change by season.
Explore more: More zoos and aquariums.
Aquarium of Niagara FAQs
When did the Aquarium of Niagara open?
It opened on June 12, 1965, as the Aquarium of Niagara Falls.
What animals live at the Aquarium of Niagara?
The aquarium’s official website says it is home to more than 120 species. These include California sea lions, harbor seals, grey seals, Humboldt penguins, jellyfish and a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Great Lakes 360 adds native fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects.
What is Great Lakes 360?
Great Lakes 360 is a second building that opened in July 2024. It has 16 exhibits on Great Lakes ecosystems, including a lake sturgeon touch pool.
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Photo: Billy Hathorn (talk) / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.